For my contribution, I decided to incorporate Trochilidae into a composition and used watercolors. I loved the flow and change-up by using color and this type of medium. I also had a some fun using my metallic gold paint markers for accents. Once completed, I pinned it to the board and in less than 10 minutes, it was sold! As much as I hate to part with my pieces, I absolutely enjoy being able to share my work with others. All in all, it was a really fun night and I look forward to attending more events!

Whoo Hoo! I’m so excited to share with you all, prints of the Inked Menagerie!

The prints are available in the original size I created them in which fits in a 5 x 7 window. I would suggest using a wide mat as pictured below.

The frame that I have used here is an 11 x 14 inch frame with a mat that has a 5 x 7 inch opening. Here are some great options if you would like to see for yourself.

Black wood frame with Mat – Target, White wood frame with mat – Target, and if you want to get all fancy, Black Baroque Frame – Amazon 

Of course there are many different ways you can frame your print but these are just a few ideas to get you started. I’ll be sure to do a tutorial on how to mat and frame a print soon for those who are unsure of the process.

At about 0:56 seconds into it you get a real perspective of just how big this guy was. I think I would have stayed in the pool as well. Not because I was brave, but because I’m frozen like a deer in headlights! After I finished watching this I thought, “No Elephant…don’t drink THAT water! Ew!”

The first to see the sun. That’s what I thought of while designing Giraffidae. His markings represent the sun rays that touch his face each morning and the flowers that grow from that radiance. I am happy indeed to add this new member to The Inked Menagerie.

I’ve received a number of requests to create a very specific animal….a Giraffe. I must say, the giraffe is indeed my favorite animal. Some people close to me, know that a life goal of mine is to see a giraffe running in the wild. Yes, running. Free. To me, there is nothing more graceful than the way they run.

There is also the fact that they are so beautifully decorated already. Never the less, I decided to try my hand and imagination of the next member of The Inked Menagerie, Giraffidae, coming soon.

This was my first time producing them on such a large-scale but I was excited and happily sent them off.

Many people don’t know that each illustration started as just a small illustration about the size of an index card. I don’t think that I ever thought that I would do much with these, but as I began to create more, and people started to see them and want them, I decided maybe it was time to think about larger formats.

Currently, Felidae, Trochilidae, & one Elephantidae are with the fine folks at Zu Furnishings! So look out for a “What’s going on” update about those guys.

I remember it like it was yesterday. College. First oil painting class. First ‘independent project.’ The assignment, create a painting using only a select number of colors, any subject we wanted. The first thing I did was do some research. I’ve always loved masks and knew I wanted to do something related.

I completed my piece, showed it in class and the instructor asked me how I created certain areas of the painting, I stated that I “used a rag to rub away paint, to soften and highlight some areas” At the end of class he mentioned an artist that he felt I would really like and could help me develop my style.

That artist was Ed Paschke. The instructor showed me a book of his works and I was forever smitten. I find his work to be full of emotion. The vibrancy of the colors, the attention to detail, and inclusion of texture just speaks volumes about the fellow Chicagoan. Though he has since passed, his mark has forever been left on this city and the hearts of thousands.

Check out his site for more.

Whether it is a gospel song that uplifts me and my day or a classical song that provides the perfect background for the creation of a piece of art, music is powerful. Many people ask me, “Why did  you start drawing these animals? What inspired you to create them?” I always find myself wanting to say “Ok, first, let me just say, I’m not crazy, but it’s about to get real ‘artsy talk’ in here”  I then go on to explain that it was through listening to a particular song somehow got me to thinking about places I’ve never seen, places that I could only dream of, that is where Utopia came to mind. I then began to create what I felt the inhabitants might look like.

The CD that has inspired me for “The Inked Menagerie”  has been Bobby McFerrin’s Vocabularies. I describe it as, “Taking a tour of the world through music.” As soon as I heard the song, “Say Ladeo” I knew I had to purchase this album! I somehow managed to listen to this album for 3 weeks straight. The combination of the harmonies and low notes just amazed me. Take a listen and a journey as well.